30 Facts About Triple J

The Birth of Triple J

Triple J has been a significant part of Australian youth culture since its inception. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about this iconic radio station.

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   Launch Date: Triple J first went on air on January 19, 1975, at 11 AM in Sydney. This marked the beginning of a new era in Australian radio.

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   Initial Name: The station was initially called 2JJ, or Double Jay, and was broadcast on the AM band. This name reflected its original frequency and format.

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   First Song: The first song played on air was "You Just Like Me 'Cause I'm Good in Bed" by Skyhooks, which was banned by commercial networks for its explicit content. This bold choice set the tone for the station's rebellious spirit.

Evolution and Expansion

Triple J has undergone significant changes and growth over the years, expanding its reach and influence.

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   FM Transition: In 1980, 2JJ moved to the FM band and was renamed 2JJJ, later becoming Triple J. This transition allowed for better sound quality and a broader audience.

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   National Expansion: By 1990, Triple J began its transition to a national network, expanding its reach across Australia. This move helped the station connect with more listeners nationwide.

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   Target Audience: Triple J primarily targets an audience of 18–24-year-olds, although its influence extends to a broader demographic. This focus on youth culture has kept the station relevant and vibrant.

Government Support and ABC Affiliation

Triple J's foundation and growth were significantly influenced by government initiatives and its affiliation with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).

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   Government Support: Triple J was born out of the Whitlam government’s commitment to young Australians. The government lowered the voting age from 21 to 18 and introduced a dedicated space for young people provided by the national broadcaster.

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   ABC Affiliation: Triple J is part of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s (ABC) national radio network and is non-commercial. This affiliation ensures the station's independence and focus on quality content.

Influence on Music and Culture

Triple J has played a crucial role in shaping Australian music and culture, supporting local artists and challenging norms.

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   Influence on Music: Triple J has had a profound influence on Australian musical culture. Playlists for Australian music have consistently been higher than those of commercial competitors.

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    Supporting Local Artists: Programs like "Cooking with George" in the early 1980s provided a platform for new artists to connect with audiences. The "Long Live the Evolution" campaign encouraged audiences to buy Australian music by offering a free compilation record with the purchase of any Australian album.

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    New Talent Competition: The Unearthed competition, which began in 1995, has discovered talents like Missy Higgins, Flume, and Grinspoon. This initiative has been instrumental in launching the careers of many Australian artists.

Festivals and Live Events

Triple J's involvement in festivals and live events has brought music to a wider audience and created memorable experiences for listeners.

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    Festivals Coverage: Triple J has covered festivals like Big Day Out and Splendour in the Grass, providing a way for audiences who couldn’t afford to attend to still listen along.

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    Live Events: The station organizes semi-regular festivals like One Night Stand, which takes the music to different regional or rural Australian towns. These events bring live music to communities that might not otherwise have access to it.

Challenging Censorship and Promoting Activism

Triple J has a history of challenging censorship and promoting social issues, reflecting its commitment to free speech and activism.

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    Challenging Censorship: In 1989, presenters protested the censorship of N.W.A.’s "Fuck Tha Police" by playing N.W.A’s "Express Yourself" repeatedly for an entire day. This act of defiance highlighted the station's commitment to artistic freedom.

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    Activism and Social Issues: The station has promoted activists standing up against racism and homophobia. In 2023, after the Voice referendum, announcer Nooky gave an impassioned personal statement, followed by Yothu Yindi’s "Treaty" on repeat for the rest of the show.

Adapting to Modern Times

Triple J has adapted to changing times, embracing new technologies and responding to global events like the COVID-19 pandemic.

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    COVID Response: During the COVID-19 pandemic, Triple J provided listeners with a range of listening options. In May 2020, listeners across the country took over the program grid and requested songs as part of a week-long "Requestival."

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    Nostalgia and Legacy: Despite being a station for young Australians, Triple J has a significant nostalgic value for older audiences. The digital station Double J, launched in 2015, serves the "former" Triple J audience with music specials and music aimed at an older demographic.

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    Generational Relevance: The station continues to be relevant to its target audience. Generational battles over the role and importance of Triple J rage on, but the station remains a vital resource for young Australians.

Digital Presence and Accessibility

Triple J's digital presence and extensive network of transmitters ensure that it remains accessible to a wide audience.

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    Digital Presence: Triple J is available to 95% of the Australian population and can be streamed online, making it accessible to listeners worldwide.

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    Transmitters: The station has about 80 transmitters scattered across Australia, allowing it to share music and cultural content effectively.

Historical Significance and Cultural Impact

Triple J's history is rich with significant moments and cultural contributions that have left a lasting impact.

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    Historical Significance: The first broadcast from "The Bunker," Studio 206 in the basement of the old ABC building in Forbes Street, Darlinghurst, marked a new era in Australian radio.

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    Satire and Culture: The early days of 2JJ featured a blend of satire, broad popular culture, and live rock-and-roll, setting a precedent for future programming.

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    Audience Engagement: The station has always encouraged audience engagement. It accepted tapes sent in by listeners and took the recording van out to hotels every Friday night to record bands.

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    Banned Songs: The first song played on 2JJ was banned by commercial stations, Skyhooks' "You Just Like Me 'Cause I’m Good in Bed," which became a symbol of the station's willingness to challenge mainstream norms.

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    Rolling Stones Debut: The second song played on 2JJ was the Rolling Stones' "Sympathy for the Devil," further establishing the station's commitment to playing music that was not available on other channels.

Strategic Moves and Staff Culture

Triple J's strategic decisions and unique staff culture have contributed to its enduring success.

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    ABC’s Strategic Move: The ABC was afraid of losing listeners and wanted to appeal to a younger audience. Granting a licence to a youth-style radio station in Sydney was seen as a way to attract young voters during Gough Whitlam’s Labor government.

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    Staff Rules: In 1976, a memo was distributed internally reminding staff of the self-imposed rule—NO DOPE IN THE OFFICE OR STUDIO!! This rule has been consistently enforced over the years.

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    Staff Protests: In 1989, presenters protested the censorship of N.W.A.’s "Fuck Tha Police" by playing N.W.A’s "Express Yourself" repeatedly for an entire day. This protest highlighted the station’s commitment to free speech and artistic expression.

Community Response and Legacy

Triple J's responsiveness to community concerns and its lasting legacy make it a beloved institution in Australia.

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    Hottest 100 Countdown: In 2017, the Hottest 100 countdown was moved away from January 26 following a listener petition and survey. This decision reflected the station’s willingness to address social issues and respond to community concerns.

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    Legacy and Impact: Triple J’s influence extends beyond its target audience. It has etched itself into the memories of generations of Australians, providing a platform for new artists and shaping the country’s musical and cultural landscape.

Triple J's Enduring Legacy

Triple J has been a cornerstone of Australian youth culture for over five decades. From its rebellious beginnings as 2JJ to its national reach today, the station has consistently pushed boundaries. It’s given a voice to new artists, challenged censorship, and addressed social issues head-on. Programs like Unearthed have launched careers, while events like One Night Stand bring music to regional communities. Triple J’s influence extends beyond its target audience, resonating with older generations through Double J. The station’s commitment to supporting local talent and engaging with listeners has cemented its place in Australia’s cultural landscape. Whether through its iconic Hottest 100 countdown or its bold programming choices, Triple J remains a vital part of the nation’s musical and cultural identity. Its legacy is a testament to the power of media in shaping society and culture.